EXCITEMENT is building for the arrival of the Airbus BelugaXL in Flintshire this week.

Bosses at the aircraft company recently revealed that the super-transporter aircraft is set to touch town at Hawarden Airpirt on Valentine’s Day.

And while the firm has so far remained tight-lipped on the arrival time, it has reminded members of the public where the big moment can be safely viewed from.

An Airbus spokesman told the Leader: “We are very much looking forward to seeing XL land in Broughton for the first time and are conscious that members of the public may want to witness this historic occasion too.

"Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate sightseers on the factory site and so would encourage people to head to the Chocks Away Diner by the aerodrome, rather than block the public footpaths or create dangers for themselves and other road users.”

The XL (extra-large) version of the Beluga plane – so-called for its uncanny resemblance to the adorable marine mammal – sports a smiling whale’s face livery, voted for by Airbus’ Commercial Aircraft employees.

The distinctive aircraft, the first of five that will eventually replace the current fleet of standard Beluga transporters, made its maiden test flight from Toulouse last July, streamed live at the Farnborough International Airshow.

Its final arrival time is expected to be known on Wednesday.